Public Rally at Mokokchung town on May 11 organised by Ao Senden, condemning the crime committed against Naga leaders. (DIPR Photo)Mokokchung | May 11 : The Ao Senden today declared that the May 9 assault of three Naga civil leaders was the handiwork of the Manipur government which had instigated some groups to attack the Naga leaders. “But by the grace of God, they were saved.” Lendinoktang, the president of Ao Senden said during a protest rally against the “assassination attempt” on the Naga Hoho and Forum for Naga Reconciliation officials on May 9 at Hotel Grandeur in Kohima.
The rally was held in Mokokchung today, organized by the apex Ao Senden. Addressing the rally, the Ao Senden leader condemned the “brutal act meted out to the Naga leaders” and charged the Manipur government of conspiring against the Naga society. He further added that peoples’ voice is greater than bullets and so the Nagas need to raise their voice.
Also, Ao Telongjem’s president Sosangmeren said the Nagas had become Indian by compulsion. Indians had burned thousands of houses in several villages during the 50s and also killed many innocent lives. He also said that India is a “cunning and sly” country. They have divided the Naga people into many groups and the many past years have seen much bloodshed among the Naga groups. ‘However, after lots of efforts the different Naga groups are coming to one voice, which in turn is making India government restless,’ he said.
Sosangmeren said that the government of Manipur is also a cunning and dishonorable state. Manipur chose to make the visit of Muivah to his own hometown into “a big issue.” Strongly condemning the attack on the Naga leaders on May 9 by armed miscreants “instigated by the Indian government and Manipur government,” Sosangmeren termed the attack as daylight robbery and ‘daylight attempted murder’.
Ao Kaketshir Mungdang president, S Bendang Aier also condemned the crime committed against the Naga people and their leaders. He called upon the people, parents and the children, to be aware and prepare themselves for the Naga cause.
The rally was attended by various tribal hoho units, school children and citizens of Mokokchung. Shops and offices remained closed during the rally. Puryapang from Concerned Senior Citizens’ Forum, Prof. Lanunungsang, Watsü Mungdang president Arenla and Human Right activist and writer Bela Bhatia also addressed the rally. The activist alleged that the Indian state is creating war-like situations in many parts of India. Saying that respecting the ‘other person’ is the foundation of peace, Bhatia reminded that there is “no way to peace but peace is the way.”